Peru: Biometric Appointment Delays Impact In-Country Initial Visa Applications

• Processing delays. Foreign nationals applying for initial visas in Peru (including Appointed Worker, Resident Worker, and Mercosur Visas) during the next few months and their employers should account for delays in work start dates, as all in-country initial visa options involve the submission of biometrics during processing and before approval.
• Travel restrictions. Furthermore, foreign nationals who file their in-country initial visa application but cannot schedule a biometrics appointment will face travel restrictions, because Exit Permits (which are issued to foreign nationals with pending immigration applications to travel) are only issued after a biometrics appointment is scheduled. Foreign nationals leaving Peru without an Exit Permit could have their application cancelled.

The appointment backlogs are likely derived from the high volume of immigration applications submitted by Venezuelan nationals in Peru as part of a new regularization phase launched by the government.

It is not yet clear when the National Superintendence of Immigration will open more appointment slots or if it will open special slots for Venezuelan nationals to alleviate the backlog. Fragomen is actively monitoring the appointment system and contacting affected clients and will report on relevant updates as they occur.